Getting Power of Attorney in Portugal
A procuracao (power of attorney) allows someone to act on your behalf in Portugal. Essential for expats who travel frequently or need to handle bureaucracy remotely — NIF applications, property purchases, or government filings.
Understand the types
Simple procuracao: for specific tasks (e.g., collecting a document). General procuracao: broader powers. Irrevocable: used for property transactions. Each type has different legal weight and requirements.
Draft the procuracao
Specify exactly what the representative can do. Be specific: 'represent me at Financas for NIF application' is better than 'handle all my affairs'. A lawyer can help draft this.
Notarize it
In Portugal: sign at a Cartorio Notarial or Conservatoria. Abroad: sign at the Portuguese consulate in your country, or at a local notary followed by apostille.
If done abroad
The procuracao signed outside Portugal needs: apostille from the issuing country and certified Portuguese translation.
Documents needed
- Your passport/ID
- Representative's full name, ID number, NIF
- Specific powers being granted
- Purpose of the procuracao
Register if required
For property transactions, the procuracao must be registered at the Conservatoria do Registo Predial.
Watch out
- ●A general power of attorney gives broad powers — only grant this to someone you fully trust
- ●Procuracoes can be revoked at any time by the grantor at a notary
- ●Some institutions (banks, AIMA) may not accept power of attorney for certain actions — check before relying on it
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